Part 6
Headed across town to his house, AJ wanted to look at ‘Stormy’ but he had to pay attention to the road. The storm was still raging and to him, it seemed to be getting worse. Was this a sign of what his life was about to become?
Still groggy from the sedative, ‘Stormy’ struggled to stay awake. She gave in though only ten minutes from his house. Quietly, she lay down putting her head on his leg, her hand just above his knee. She snuffled softly and was fast asleep.
The weight of her head startled him but he managed to contain his shock. Glancing down, he debated what to do. Should he put his hand on her? Could he play with her hair? What would she do if he did? Deciding it would be best not to do anything, he kept his hands on the steering wheel but a smile crept to his lips.
Pulling into the driveway, AJ saw the light on and he was faced with another problem. How was he going to get her inside without waking her? Maybe she was still under the effects of the sedative. Maybe she trusted him enough that she wouldn’t wake up. Only one way to find out.
The garage offered shelter from the storm as AJ opened the passenger’s door. Carefully, he got her out and managed to close the door without slamming it. She stirred slightly but only to adjust her head against his chest.
“Ricky.”
It was almost inaudible but AJ heard it. She could talk. Who was Rick? Did she have a boyfriend? A husband? He’d looked at her hands and there was no sign of any rings or even having been any rings. Okay, so if she talks in her sleep, maybe he could get her to talk. It would just take a little work. He had the time.
Thankfully, his mother met him at the door and was stunned to see ‘Stormy’ in his arms.
Whispering, she asked, “Who is she?”
“Let me get her to bed first and we’ll talk.” Denise followed AJ upstairs to the guest room where he said, “Wait here. I won’t be long.”
Denise stood in the doorway watching as her son placed the sleeping girl in the bed and pulled the covers over her.
Waking, ‘Stormy’ was confused but seeing AJ kept her from panicking.
“It’s okay. You’re in my guestroom at my house. If you need me, I’ll be just across the hall,” he said softly to reassure her.
Feeling extremely safe, ‘Stormy’ snuggled into the soft bed and drifted off to sleep.
In the hall, Denise asked, “Where did you find her?”
“Outside Howie’s club. I followed her to the park where she collapsed. I’ve been at the hospital with her making sure she was okay.”
“And?”
“Nothing serious…she apparently hasn’t eaten in a while and dehydrated. Mama, the police are running a missing person’s check on her and until we know something, she’s gonna stay with me.”
“Do you really think it’s wise to get so involved with this girl? What do you know about her?”
“I know enough.”
“Okay, where does she live? What’s her name? Why does she look like she’s been living on the street for so long?”
AJ smiled, “I can’t tell you ANY of that. Now, go home and thank you for opening the house.”
“Nope…I’m staying here. I don’t have power and I want to see this girl in the morning.”
“Mama, strangers scare her. Please?”
“I’ll stay out of the way but if you’re going to be involved with her, she better get use to me being around. Now go to bed, son. You look exhausted.”
AJ yawned and gave his mother a kiss. “Nite, Mama.”
Denise watched AJ disappear into his room before going into the bedroom where ‘Stormy’ slept. She looked closely at the girl who had obviously caught her son’s attention. She didn’t look like his usual type. Maybe this girl would be different.
In his room, AJ stripped down and climbed into his bed. He was exhausted but he couldn’t sleep. His mind was as chaotic as the storm raging outside. Who was this girl? What was her story? Why didn’t she talk? Who was this Ricky?
An extremely loud clap of thunder rattled the windows in his room and a minute later, he heard the door open, then felt the bed shift under her weight. He felt her body settle next to his and he rolled closer to her. Carefully, he placed his arm across her not knowing what to expect but she didn’t pull away. She relaxed in the comfort of his arm and soon he heard the soft breathing of sleep.
“Who are you ‘Stormy’? What’s happened to you to make you not talk?” he whispered. “Just give me a sign.”